Byron Bay’s inaugral World Pro-Adaptive Surfing Titles have been happening all week and you’re invited to join us.

The five-day international competition comes in the leadup to the announcement of the Olympic committee’s decision on whether to include the sport in the twenty twenty-eight Los Angeles event.

Discover the glorious community spirit driving the world of pro-adaptive surf as Mia Armitage speaks with organiser and world champion Mark Mono Stewart, other competitors ranging from a 17-year-old to a veteran, and event volunteers from Byron, the United States and Japan.

1 . A ‘celebration of life’: British pro-adaptive surfer Spike Kane and Aussie world champion Mark ‘Mono’ Stewart launch Byron world titles event featuring British Pro Adaptive Surf competitor Spike Kane and World Pro Adaptive Surf champion and Byron World Pro Adaptive Surf Titles event director Mark ‘Mono’ Stewart

2. The 17-year-old Gold Coast grommet taking out world Pro Adaptive Surf titles featuring World Pro Adaptive Surf champion Kai Colless

3.    Founder of Veterans Surfers’ Association and Para Olympian star Gavin Bellis just hopes his daughters are proud of him  featuring Veterans Surfers’ Association Co-Founder and Para Olympian gold medallist Gavin Bellis

4.    Community counts for more than competition points, says French Pro Adaptvive Surf contestent featuring French Pro Adaptive Surf contestant Guillaume Collen

5.    No full disabled toilet facilities between the Gold Coast and Coffs, says World Surf Champion Pauline Menser featuring World Surf Champion Pauline Menser

6.    Imagine being in charge of water safety at an adaptive surfing competition: meet Adam Land featuring Pro Adaptive Surf water safety co-lead Adam Land

7.    Lifelong friends after just four days: the volunteers helping Japanese Pro Adaptive Surfer Tomoki Fujiwara featuring volunteers Yoichi, Taka and Minami

8.    ‘I want to hear their stories,’: World Surf Champion Steph Gilmore shows up to Pro Adaptive Surf Titles featuring World Surf Champion Steph Gilmore

9.    Northern Rivers News with Anny Reed

*producer: Mia Armitage. Reports produced by Mia Armitage unless otherwise indicated.Tune in to the Community Newsroom on Fridays from 11am-12 on Bay FM 99.9 or listen online at bayfm.org
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PIC: 17-yr-old World Pro Adaptive Surf champion Kai Colless (centre) with family at the 2024 Byron Blackmores World Pro Adaptive Surf Titles (Mia Armitage)